Description: The Aerospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon was a heavyweight transport helicopter intended for both military and civilian customers and derived from Sikorsky's SE3200 Frelon helicopter design. This 13-ton helicopter is provided with a six-blade main rotor and five-blade tail rotor and is powered by three Turbomeca Turmo IIIC turboshaft engines developing 1,570-hp each and a cruise speed of roughly 250 kph. The military Super Frelon aircraft includes three variants: transport, anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The military variant may include a 20mm cannon, a maritime surveillance radar, two Exocet anti-ship missiles and four A244S torpedoes. The maiden flight of the Super Frelon helicopter was carried out on December 7, 1962 and entered service with the French Armed Forces in 1966. The aircraft was sold to several countries worldwide including the People's Republic of China. China has produced locally the Super Frelon manufactured by Harbin under the Z-8 designation and powered by WZ-6 engines.

The SA 321G is an ASW variant ordered by the French Navy and equipped with maritime surveillance radar. The SA 321GA was an utility transport version for the French Navy. The SA 321GM was an export version ordered by Libya and fitted with radar. The SA 321H was the export version ordered by Iraq and also fitted with radar and Exocet anti-ship missiles. The SA 321F was a commercial variant for 37 passengers and the SA 321J and SA 321JA for 27 passengers. The SA 321K was a military transport version ordered by Israel. The SA 321L was a transport version ordered by South Africa. SA 321M was a search and rescue version ordered by Libya. The Chinese Z-8, Z-8A and Z-8F are transport versions powered by WZ-6 and PT6B-67A (Z-8F only) engines. The Z-8AEW is a special version fitted with an air surveillance radar for airborne early warning (AEW). The Z-8S and Z-8JH as well as the Z-8K and Z-8KA are search and rescue variants.